Split in Rib

[Ernie Riling]

Hi, as I look at multiple Parkers, I notice some with (and of course a lot without), what appears to be a split in the rib - usually just before the steel markings on the breach side. Does anyone have a good explanation for this, were they originally made this way, etc.? Thank you in advance.

[Dean Romig]

They were made that way and on original high condition guns the joint is often not evident.

The short, about 2” rear section is called the doll’s head rib extension.
Generally speaking, any gun with the doll’s head has the split, whether evident or not.





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[Ernie Riling]

Thanks Dean, I very much appreciate it.

[B. Dudley]

ALL parkers have it. The rib extension is a separate piece that is held on with both solder and a screw. It was installed as a separate operation after the breech was fitted to the frame. The end of the rib is removed and the extension installed.

[Drew Hause]

This illustrates things clearly; a refinished (browned) not very well matched Parker D4 (4 iron crolle damascus). The steel rib extension stained more darkly, and the indexing screw (likely with higher carbon content or possibly an alloy) even darker. The rib forward of the rib extension is crolle also.